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Experiences That Matter Foundation received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Experiences That Matter Foundation, based in Chicago, Illinois, works to expand access to essential resources for communities that have historically been underserved. Guided by a commitment to equity and opportunity, the nonprofit helps close ongoing gaps in care for children and families who need support most. Its services are designed to be accessible, respectful, and grounded in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through its flagship initiative, the 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign, the foundation provides uninsured and underinsured children with free, same-day eye exams and prescription glasses. These services are delivered through Chicago's first pediatric mobile vision clinic, bringing care directly to neighborhoods where it is needed most. By eliminating the cost, complexity, and follow-through often associated with vision care, the program removes barriers that can prevent children from receiving treatment. The foundation addresses a gap that frequently goes unresolved in the healthcare system. Although many children receive vision referrals through their schools, those referrals often go unfulfilled due to financial, logistical, or other barriers. The 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign provides a seamless, personalized experience, ensuring each child receives everything they need, from a comprehensive eye exam to a finished pair of prescription glasses, in one visit. "There is a significant disparity in access to quality vision care among youth in low-income communities," said Dinai Yelverton, Founder and CEO of Experiences That Matter Foundation. "We focus on the moment when a child gets a referral from school and, for whatever reason, it does not get followed up on. Our goal is to reduce those gaps and provide everything on site for the children who need it." Serving children throughout Chicago's underserved neighborhoods, the nonprofit combines its mobile clinic model with strong community partnerships to help young people see clearly, learn with confidence, and pursue opportunities without vision standing in their way. "Experiences That Matter Foundation is doing important work to connect a child's vision referral with real, lasting care," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. "We are proud to support their efforts to build community through compassion, generosity, and the lasting difference that clear vision can make." This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Illinois-area charities as the July 2026 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Experiences That Matter (Chicago, IL) expands access to essential resources for people and families who face barriers to care through innovative, community-based programs. Its flagship initiative, the 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign, provides children without health insurance with free, same-day eye exams and prescription glasses through Chicago's first pediatric mobile vision clinic. Joy of Memorable Creations (Schaumburg, IL) works to foster stronger, healthier communities through outreach programs that promote education, wellness, and support related to domestic violence, suicide prevention, cancer, financial literacy, and other community needs. Kings House of Vision and Faith Outreach (Park Forest, IL) empowers individuals and families by providing essential resources, including free clothing and accessories, while connecting community members with supportive programs that promote personal growth and long-term stability. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Christopher Osaro a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Christopher Osaro, a sophomore, studies pre-professional studies at the University of Notre Dame. He has completed an internship at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and job shadows in Medical Imaging and Sports Medicine departments, which allowed him to more fully explore careers in medicine. "Christopher’s drive to explore and understand the many facets of healthcare is incredibly impressive, and I really admire his commitment to learning. I look forward to seeing where he goes with his career," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.com. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Humble Design Chicago received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Humble Design Chicago, based in Chicago, IL, is dedicated to transforming houses into homes for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. Centered on dignity and fresh starts, the organization works alongside clients emerging from shelters and transitional housing to create living spaces that are warm, functional, and filled with a sense of belonging. Through donated furniture, household essentials, and the care of dedicated volunteers, Humble Design Chicago turns empty apartments into comfortable sanctuaries. Its work focuses on removing one of the most overlooked barriers to lasting stability — the overwhelming cost and effort of furnishing a home from nothing. At the core of its mission is the belief that a safe, welcoming home environment is foundational to breaking the cycle of homelessness. The organization responds to a gap that often goes unaddressed in the housing support system: the moment a person secures a place to live but has nothing to put in it. All services are designed to be dignifying and personalized, ensuring that each client feels respected, valued, and genuinely at home from the moment they walk through the door. "Imagine emerging from homelessness and walking into your new space, only to find it completely empty. That silence can be devastating. We believe a stable, welcoming home is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term housing retention. When someone has a real bed, a table, a couch, they don't just have furniture. They have a life to come back to," said Trish Davies of Humble Design Chicago. Humble Design Chicago's services reach single adults, families, and veterans alike. By combining thoughtful design with community generosity, the organization creates environments where people can truly settle in, decompress, and begin rebuilding their lives with a sense of stability and pride beneath their feet. "Humble Design Chicago is doing vital work to bridge the gap between housing placement and true stability, and we are proud to support their efforts to build community through compassion, generosity, and the transformative power of home," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Temirdire Adesiji a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Temirdire Adesiji, a first-year graduate student, studies electrical and computer engineering at the Brown University School of Engineering. He says his most meaningful accomplishment so far is developing MyGuardian, an AI-powered personal safety system that can detect distress signals, alert trusted contacts with live location information, and escalate emergencies when users are unable to seek help themselves. "Temirdire isn’t just pursuing a degree, he’s committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of others. His dedication to service, leadership, and community impact embodies the values our scholarship seeks to recognize and support," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Folasewa Abiola a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Folasewa Abiola, a junior, studies biochemistry and molecular biology at Fisk University. She has been named National Ambassador for Meharry Medical College through the Health Careers Opportunity Program, where she gained valuable insight into healthcare careers and the importance of serving underserved communities. Currently, she is a Summer Research Intern at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and plans to pursue a career as a pediatric clinical researcher. “Folasewa has such a passion for caring for others in healthcare. I can’t wait to see what she achieves as she continues her education,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.com. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Chicago Children's Museum collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with Chicago Children's Museum at its Navy Pier location to assist staff during a busy Memorial Day weekend. Chicago Children's Museum advances learning through play and provides engaging educational experiences for children and families. Volunteers supported the museum by interacting with guests, assisting within exhibits, and helping in the art and tinkering studios by preparing materials and facilitating activities. “Volunteering at the museum was a rewarding experience for our team,” said Jordan Dubnow, a volunteer with the SBBRG Foundation. “We enjoyed helping children and families engage with the exhibits and activities throughout the day. It was especially meaningful to contribute to an organization that makes learning accessible and enjoyable for so many members of the community.” The volunteer effort helped extend the museum staff’s reach during one of its busiest weekends of the year and likely impacted between 100 and 150 guests. Team members worked across multiple areas of the museum to maximize their assistance, helping children and their families enjoy hands-on educational experiences while reinforcing the museum’s mission of inspiring learning through play. Funding associated with the initiative will help support the museum’s general operating budget as it continues to navigate financial pressures and maintain access to its programs and exhibits. To learn more about Chicago Children's Museum and its mission, please visit Chicago Children's Museum. This story can be found on Business Wire

Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Volunteers gathered to prepare book distribution packets for families FHSR supports. FHSR is dedicated to supporting children with hearing challenges and their families through programs and resources that promote communication, inclusion, and self-confidence. During the event, volunteers placed stickers in books, wrote personalized notes, and assembled bags that will be distributed to families participating in the organization’s programs. “Watching my colleagues take such care in preparing the packets and notes was incredibly meaningful,” said Jenny Cizner, a volunteer with the SBBRG Foundation. “They truly understood how impactful these books can be for children and families. Seeing everyone approach the project with such thoughtfulness and compassion was heartwarming.” The book distribution program is an important initiative for FHSR and supports families of children with hearing differences. By providing books that feature relatable characters and experiences, the program helps children see themselves represented in the stories they read, encouraging confidence and a positive sense of identity. Additional funding will help advance FHSR’s other programs and services that benefit children and families throughout the year. To learn more about Foundation for Speech and Hearing Resources and its mission, please visit Foundation for Speech and Hearing Resources website. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Boston Dance Alliance collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Volunteers participated in the Cambridge Dance Company Informal Showcase at Mass Motion in Allston, Massachusetts. The showcase provided an opportunity for dancers to share the work they had developed over the previous eight months while engaging audience members through demonstrations, discussions, and interactive educational experiences designed to deepen appreciation for the art of dance. "Creating opportunities for audiences to connect with dance beyond the performance itself is incredibly rewarding," said Lauren Pajer, a volunteer with the SBBRG Foundation. "It was especially meaningful to see audience members engage with the creative process, ask thoughtful questions, and share their excitement about dance. Moments like those help strengthen the connection between artists and the community." This year's showcase introduced a live demonstration showing how dancers learn and refine choreography in real time, giving attendees a unique behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process. The event also generated strong audience participation, particularly among younger attendees who were actively engaged in the question-and-answer session. Funding associated with the initiative will help offset rehearsal space expenses, costume costs, and venue rental fees for the company's larger annual showcase, supporting the continued growth of the organization and its programming. To learn more about Boston Dance Alliance and its mission, please visit the Boston Dance Alliance and Cambridge Dance Company website. This story can be found on Access Newswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Illinois-area charities as the June 2026 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order):  Future Now Learning (FNL) (St. Charles, IL) is dedicated to making technology education accessible to all. Through hands-on programs focused on artificial intelligence and other STEM fields, the organization helps youth and adult learners develop the skills needed to thrive in an evolving digital world. Humble Design Chicago (Chicago, IL) helps individuals and families in the Chicago area create comfortable, dignified homes after experiencing homelessness. Through essential furnishings and community support, the organization helps clients build a fresh start and a brighter future. Shining Abilities (Lake Villa, IL) partners with individuals with developmental disabilities in Lake and McHenry Counties, helping them build confidence, develop practical life and workplace skills, and foster meaningful social connections. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire